“This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

This verse is a comprehensive statement, including all kinds of days.

It points us to you, Lord, the Sovereign God in whose hands all days are made, whether they are in our eyes good or bad, restful or challenging.

You in your wisdom allow, create or send events which are going to be used in your great plan.

You allow people to carry out their schemes within certain boundaries, allowing evil people to do evil things, but only within certain limits.

You are able to use their evil to advance your plans and Kingdom (Rev. 9:20).

In the meantime, you continually pour out good on all your creatures, giving us air to breathe, food to eat, friends to share with, work to do, eyes to see, ears to hear, feet to walk, hands to use, skin to protect and feel—things we take for granted, but without them our lives would be very different!

In addition you give meaning, direction, provision and protection. You give grace and goodness in the midst of trials and challenges, problems as well as solutions. You use difficulties to chasten, punish, correct and restore.

Help us to remember this, to delight in you and your wonderful goodness, your beautiful creation, your power and plans for us, for history, for eternity!